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Foetuses and <keyword id="2736634" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="placentas" source="Orion">placentas</keyword> of pregnant women, especially those infected with COVID-19 at earlier points in the pandemic, were found to bear a greater risk of experiencing growth impairment or vascular lesions in organs and the brain, according to a new research. According to the research, results demonstrate that the different strains of the virus that emerged during the pandemic led to varying degrees of damage, which was especially higher in those involving pre-Omicron variants. The detected placental lesions could potentially harm both development and health in some of the affected unborn children, the study said. Using prenatal magnetic resonance imaging, a group of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, researchers examined the placentas and foetuses of women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy, the study said. The research was published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health - Europe. While such damage occurs more infrequently and is less severe with the currently circulating <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> sub-lineages, the study authors still advocate early detection measures for pregnant women who test positive for coronavirus. Contrary to previous studies, in which SARS-CoV-2-related abnormalities were only identified postnatally and/or through histopathological procedures, the research team focused on prenatal imaging findings, the study said. Using prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 76 scans of placentas and foetuses of pregnant women were performed in the study: 38 following a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (pre-Omicron or Omicron variants) and 38 in healthy control cases, the study said. The study found that the placentas in both the pre-Omicron and the Omicron groups revealed abnormalities. "Infections with pre-Omicron variants, such as Delta, led to significantly greater damage in the form of vascular events such as blood clots or bleeding than with the Omicron subvariants currently circulating through the population," noted lead author <keyword id="16231883" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="patric-kienast" source="Orion">Patric Kienast</keyword>, outlining a key finding of the study. The researchers attribute the varying extent of damage to the placenta caused by different virus strains to the fact that Omicron sub-lineages are less likely than their predecessors to result in severe cases, and to higher vaccination rates as the pandemic has progressed, the study said. "In any case, our results showed that the two non-vaccinated study participants developed placental abnormalities following infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, compared with just one out of six of the women who had received three doses of the vaccine," confirmed senior author <keyword id="16231884" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gregor-kasprian" source="Orion">Gregor Kasprian</keyword>. Oxygen, nutrients and metabolic products are exchanged between mother and child in the placenta. Attached to the uterine wall, this organ forms such a strong barrier against the coronavirus that only 3 per cent or fewer of foetuses whose mothers test positive for SARS-CoV-2 are also infected, the study said. But as the study shows, the placenta itself is not spared from complications caused by Covid-19. Subsequently, some unborn babies experience stunted growth or bleeding in the brain, the study said. "This is why the placentas of pregnant women who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 should be examined as soon as possible after testing positive using prenatal imaging techniques," advised <keyword id="16231885" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="daniela-prayer" source="Orion">Daniela Prayer</keyword> from Medical University of Vienna, citing the importance of scanning, particularly in the case of possible future coronavirus variants with mechanisms similar to Delta, for example. By doing so, there is a chance to take measures to safeguard the health of the foetus in a worst case scenario, the study said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/this-smart-bandage-senses-and-treats-bacterial-infections-25-faster/articleshow/97274215.cms">This smart bandage senses and treats bacterial infections 25% faster</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/zomato-gold-re-launched-with-free-deliveries-vip-access-up-to-40-discount-on-dining-and-more/articleshow/97273088.cms">Zomato Gold re-launched with free deliveries, VIP access, up to 40% discount on dining, and more</a>

Covid infection could damage foetuses of pregnant women: Study

Consumption of alcohol, even in low to moderate amounts during pregnancy, can change the baby's brain structure and delay brain development, a new MRI-based study has warned. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can expose the fetus to a group of conditions called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders could develop learning disabilities, behavioural problems or speech and language delays. "Fetal MRI is a highly specialised and safe examination method that allows us to make accurate statements about brain maturation prenatally," said study senior author <keyword id="15617222" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="gregor-kasparian" source="Orion">Gregor Kasparian</keyword>, associate professor of radiology at the <keyword id="746390" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="medical-university-of-vienna" source="Orion">Medical University of Vienna</keyword> in Austria. For the study, researchers analysed MRI exams of 24 fetuses with prenatal alcohol exposure. The fetuses were between 22 and 36 weeks of gestation at the time of the MRI. Alcohol exposure was determined via anonymous surveys of the mothers. In fetuses with alcohol exposure, the fetal total maturation score (fTMS) was significantly lower than in the age-matched controls, and the right superior temporal sulcus (<keyword id="93510" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sts" source="Orion">STS</keyword>) was shallower. The STS is involved in social cognition, audiovisual integration and language perception. "We found the greatest changes in the temporal brain region and STS. We know that this region, and specifically the formation of the STS, has a great influence on language development during childhood," said <keyword id="15617223" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="dr-kasprian" source="Orion">Dr Kasprian</keyword>. Seventeen of 24 mothers drank alcohol relatively infrequently, with average alcohol consumption of less than one alcoholic drink per week. "Nevertheless, we were able to detect significant changes in these fetuses based on prenatal MRI," Dr <keyword id="15617224" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kienast" source="Orion">Kienast</keyword> added. According to the researchers, delayed fetal brain development could be specifically related to a delayed stage of myelination and less distinct gyrification in the frontal and occipital lobes. The myelination process is critical to brain and nervous system function. Gyrification refers to the formation of the folds of the cerebral cortex. "Pregnant women should strictly avoid alcohol consumption," Dr Kienast said, as "even low levels of alcohol consumption can lead to structural changes in brain development and delayed brain maturation." SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/radiation-emitted-from-mobile-towers-has-no-ill-effects-on-human-health-experts/articleshow/95743681.cms">Radiation emitted from mobile towers has no ill effects on human health: Experts</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/news/circular-economy-to-be-given-thrust-during-indias-g20-presidency-amitabh-kant/articleshow/95762783.cms">Circular economy to be given thrust during India's G20 presidency: Amitabh Kant</a>

Even low drinking during pregnancy alters baby's brain structure

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A small new study suggests less than one alcoholic drink a week affects fetal brain structure. </li><li>The research is the first to use fetal MRI to see how drinking affects the fetus in real-time. </li></ul>Having less than one alcoholic drink a week during pregnancy is enough to change the fetal brain in ways that can lead to problems once a child is born, like language deficits, new research suggests. The <a href="https://press.rsna.org/pressrelease/2022_resources/2384/abstract.pdf">not-yet-published study</a>, to be presented at the the <a href="https://www.rsna.org/annual-meeting">Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting</a> next week, used fetal brain imaging to see in real-time how <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/can-pregnant-women-drink-wine">pregnant patients' alcohol consumption</a> might affect key regions of the developing brain. The findings suggest even occasional drinking can slow fetal brain development and alter the part of the brain that helps kids develop social skills, interpret sights and sounds, and understand language. While <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/features/alcohol-use-during-pregnancy.html#:~:text=Alcohol%20use%20during%20pregnancy%20can,infant%20death%20syndrome%20(SIDS).">past research is clear</a> that heavy drinking in <a href="https://www.insider.com/pregnancy-myths-debunked-drinking-coffee-alcohol-2020-1">pregnancy</a> can lead to permanent and serious physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems in children, edicts that even light drinking is dangerous have come under more scrutiny <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/7/e015410">by some doctors</a> and <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=biauto-59657-20&amp;postID=637b87f1310b0b6add13d0f3&amp;site=in&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FExpecting-Better-Conventional-Pregnancy-Wrong%2Fdp%2F0143125702%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fgclid%3DCj0KCQiA4OybBhCzARIsAIcfn9maZeBcm648JR481VvTNhXm7x1QNKJA3KdvfPKO_sCCcHcCYpb_glEaAsYfEALw_wcB%26hvadid%3D521234603176%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvlocphy%3D9004358%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvqmt%3De%26hvrand%3D9184436057759647469%26hvtargid%3Dkwd-1180088601063%26hydadcr%3D15554_10342184%26keywords%3Dexpecting%2Bbetter%2B-%2Bby%2Bemily%2Boster%26qid%3D1669046082%26sr%3D8-1%26ufe%3Dapp_do%253Aamzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb">parenting experts</a>. The study authors told Insider their research is the first to use this type of technology to see exactly when and where alcohol exposure begins to affect the developing brain. And while not all, or even most, babies of pregnant drinkers will develop problems, the researchers say there's no guarantee the children won't, either. "It might be a very small risk associated with every glass you might drink during pregnancy, but you never know if that may be the one that pushes you over the edge," co-author Dr. Marlene Stuempflen told Insider. <h2>Researchers studied 24 brains out of an initial 500 to weed out confounding factors </h2>To conduct the study, doctors the Medical University of Vienna in Austria gathered a pool of 500 women who were receiving fetal MRIs for various clinical reasons. They then whittled that group down to the 51 who said they'd consumed some alcohol during pregnancy in an anonymous questionnaire. That's about 10%, which is in line with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2015/p0924-pregnant-alcohol.html">past estimates</a> of how many pregnant people drink. (The researchers told Insider a psychologist was involved in the recruitment process, which emphasized making the environment a safe place for people to share honestly about their drinking habits.)The doctors then eliminated all the moms-to-be whose fetuses may have had abnormal brain structures due to reasons other than alcohol, like cardiac conditions, genetic anomalies, or imaging errors. That left them with 24 fetal MRIs of drinkers to compare to fetal MRIs in non-drinkers at the same stage in pregnancy: between 22 and 36 weeks along. "We really put an emphasis on generating a very structured and very unbiased dataset and collection of patients," Stuempflen said. The study authors found that the fetal brains of drinkers were developing significantly slower than the brains of non-drinkers of the same gestational age. They also found that the right superior temporal sulcus, which <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/superior-temporal-sulcus#:~:text=The%20superior%20temporal%20sulcus%2C%20and,Saxe%20%26%20Kanwisher%2C%202003).">plays a role in empathy, perspective-taking</a>, language perception, and more, was shallower.Specifically, the doctors noticed the fetal brains of drinkers were smoother and more symmetrical, whereas normally-developing brains have more folds and one hemisphere grows before the other.<div type="image" title="Differences in alcohol-exposed fetal brains" height="908" width="1954" msid="95685588" hostid="261"></div>"The most surprising thing to me was that fetuses who were exposed to a relatively low amount of alcohol developed this symmetrical brain," lead study author Dr. Patric Kienast told Insider. "That means that less than one drink a week, we already saw these effects." The study advances the group's work <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/935835">presented last year</a>, which found that the fetal brains exposed to alcohol had a smaller paraventricular zone (the "birthplace" of all neurons, Stuempflen said) and a larger corpus collosum (the highway between brain hemispheres) than fetal brain that hadn't been exposed to alcohol. Since fetal alcohol spectrum disorder can manifest quite differently in all patients — from slight attention difficulties to noticeable facial deformities to learning disabilities and birth defects — it makes sense that alcohol seems to affect these wide-reaching brain structures rather than a single, contained region, Stuempflen said. Her team is planning follow-up research to see if and how these changes affect the children as they grow up. <h2>There's increasing evidence linking drinking in pregnancy with brain changes in the fetus </h2>The CDC, <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/alcohol-and-pregnancy" rel=" nofollow">American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists</a>, and the American Pediatric Association contend there's <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/NCBDDD/fasd/alcohol-use.html" rel="">no known safe amount of alcohol</a> in <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-i-wish-i-knew-about-pregnancy-before-getting-pregnant-2022-10">pregnancy</a>. <a href="https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20220125/no-amount-alcohol-safe-heart-whf" rel=" nofollow">The World Heart Federation</a> goes as far as to say there's no safe amount of alcohol for anyone, pregnant or not. But statutes to eliminate alcohol entirely during pregnancy <a href="https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a34039018/recording-alcohol-consumption-pregnancy-wrong/#:~:text=Oster%20posits%20that%2C%20having%20pored,content%20long%20before%20it%20reaches" rel=" nofollow">have been criticized</a> as paternalistic and not evidence-based, since it's difficult to conduct high-quality studies on the harms of light alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Such studies must often rely on moms honestly recalling how much they drank many years prior, and can't tease apart all of the many factors — <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy">diet</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/working-out-while-pregnant-2019-2">exercise</a>, healthcare access, stress, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/insomnia-during-pregnancy">sleep</a>, and social support, to name a few — that can affect a child's development. Past imaging studies have been in rats, or conducted retrospectively, like <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:09612287-071d-4139-9ac6-24ba0536a454" rel=" nofollow">this 2020 paper</a> finding that just one reported drink a week led to changes in the developing brain that can lead to behavioral deficits in children.And there are studies that find no link between light or moderate alcohol consumption and developmental challenges in children. Parenting expert and <a href="https://time.com/4081343/no-alcohol-during-pregnancy/" rel=" nofollow">economist Emily Oster</a> has <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/health-18506174" rel=" nofollow">pointed to one Danish study</a>, for instance, that found up to eight drinks a week during pregnancy has no effect on childrens' intelligence or attention levels. Kienast's team contends the potential risk of drinking, even if low, isn't worth it. "We know that prenatal alcohol exposure is the most important contributing factor to preventable cognitive impairments in children and, later on, adults," Stuempflen said.

Less than 1 alcoholic drink a week in pregnancy is enough to change the fetal brain, study suggests

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Covid infection could damage foetuses of pregnant women: Study

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Even low drinking during pregnancy alters baby's brain structure

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Less than 1 alcoholic drink a week in pregnancy is enough to change the fetal brain, study suggests

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